Tag: #verysickbabygoat

10 days in and Mr. Lucky has companionship. The newest baby goat was born on the 13th of May (Friday) and he is a cross breed (Nigerian with fainting goat). We were going to name him Scoobie Doo, but after observing, we named him Slappy!

Watching closely and bottle feeding both goats, I can clearly see that there is a difference in their manure. Lucky’s manure is very dry looking (not clumping), much smaller then Slappy’s. I thought maybe it’s because of the age difference?!?! Lucky is behind at least 6 or 8 weeks in age… Then I looked at the inside eye lid of Lucky’s and compared it to Slappy’s eyes. I was shocked to say the least!!! Lucky’s eye lids where white to Slappy’s nice pink. Then I started putting together Lucky’s mouth grinding to discomfort rather then wanting to be fed.

Now I’m all over the internet to see what I’m facing… Anemia? Worms? Emergency call. I drive 60 minutes to the nearest vet that will work with farm animals. Thank goodness this vet owns goats and sheep 🙂 The vet takes one good look and tells me “you have here a very sick baby goat.” How did you come up on this goat she asked… “found it by chance” I replied. “This baby has White Muscle Disease.” Me not knowing what it is, she begins to tell me that if not treated aggressively, he can die. My heart sank. Basically the baby goats mother was not feeding on soil that was rich in Selenium and or Vitamin E. It’s like having muscular dystrophy. That would explain the funny walk that he has and why we thought he was hit by a car when we stopped for him.

The good doctor gave Mr. Lucky a shot of Bo-SE (Selenium and E), to help him along. She’s hoping its not too late. Then it was stool sample time… this takes longer because the office was already back logged with animals, and Lucky’s sample was so dry, they had to add water to it. I was at the office for almost 5 hours, but I didn’t care. I wanted this little guy to feel better as soon as possible!!!

Stool sample comes back with a high count of cocidious ~ “ok” I said, I know this can be treated – but my very next concern was for my chickens!!!! “No worries” she said, “different animals.” She sends me on my way to treat both goats (because it’s contagious). Se wants to see Lucky and the new goat Slappy in 2 weeks. She gave me goat drench to be given twice a day for Lucky (added vitamins). She’s crossing her fingers that another injection of Bo-Se does not have to be given.